Angles + Bends
Here you will find angles and bends made of stainless steel 316 (V4A) in industrial quality. The corrosion-resistant threaded fittings are suitable for cold and hot water and are designed for pressures up to 10 bar.
Buying Elbows + Bends — Guide & Tips
In the Elbows + Bends category you will find 255 high-quality threaded fittings made of stainless steel 316 (V4A), specifically designed for demanding sanitary and irrigation installations. Check the respective product information for the properties and certifications important for your selection. By using AISI 316 stainless steel, the components are particularly corrosion-resistant, pressure-resistant up to 10 bar, and equally suitable for cold water and hot water.
What should you look for when buying? The crucial factor is the thread size – from ¼ inch to 2 inches – as well as the design: 90° elbows (angles) for right-angle branches, 45° elbows for gentle direction changes, and U-bends (double bends) for parallel pipe runs. Pay attention to the exact specification of internal thread (IG) and external thread (AG), because only precise connections support tightness. Especially in hot water applications (e.g., domestic water lines or heating flow lines), the temperature resistance of stainless steel 316 is a decisive advantage over standard V2A.
For typical household or garden applications (irrigation systems, compressor connections), standard 90° elbows with internal thread on both sides are recommended. In industry or vehicle construction, elbows with internal/external thread are often used to connect flexibly to fittings. If you are building a complete line with flat-seal fittings, you should rather use fittings – these separate detachable connections from fixed pipe sections. An overview of all threaded fittings in stainless steel 316 helps you choose the right combination: Stainless steel 316 threaded fittings.
Popular elbows + bends
These three product types cover basic tasks: The double nipple serves as a simple extension for straight sections, the reducing socket connects pipes of different diameters and the union fitting enables a detachable coupling. If you need to change direction at a point, replace a double nipple with an angle or bend – ensure the same thread size. Especially in tight spaces (e.g., behind sinks or in distribution boxes), 90° angles are the first choice. Combine them with the appropriate sockets or Caps to cleanly finish pipe ends.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which angle is suitable for a 90° turn in the heating basement?
For heating supply and return lines, 90° elbows made of stainless steel 316 with internal threads on both sides (F/F) are recommended. Ensure that the elbow is rated for hot water up to 90 °C – stainless steel 316 easily meets this requirement. Combine the elbow with a short nipple or union to allow maintenance access later. Avoid sharp bends under 45°, as they can impede flow.
Can I use elbows& and bends outdoors (garden irrigation)?
Important: When laying underground, additionally use a protective tube or wrap the thread with PTFE sealing tape. Since the fittings are pressure-resistant up to 10 bar, they are also suitable for automatic sprinkler systems with operating pressure around 4–6 bar.
What do the specifications IG (internal thread) and AG (external thread) mean for bends?
IG (internal thread) is a thread inside the fitting – you screw a pipe with external thread into it. AG (external thread) refers to the thread on the outside of the fitting, which fits into a socket or an elbow with internal thread. For bends, there are often combinations such as IG-IG (both sides internal) or IG-AG (one side internal, one external). Choose the combination depending on whether you are connecting two pipes with external threads (IG-IG) or connecting a pipe with external thread to a fitting with internal thread (IG-AG).
Are 45° bends better for water flow than 90° bends?
Yes, 45° bends cause less pressure loss because the direction change is smoother. For long pipes or high flow rates (e.g., main water line), you should therefore prefer 45° bends. 90° bends are more space-saving and better suited for tight corners or at fittings. A compromise is 2×45° bends, which together form a 90° turn with lower resistance.
Other categories
Besides elbows and bends, you often need additional fittings to build a complete line. The following sibling categories from the Stainless Steel 316 Threaded Fittings-Assortment helps you complete your installation:
- Double nipples + pipe nipples – for extensions and straight connections between two fittings.
- Caps + plugs – for sealing pipe ends or for testing lines.
- Reducers – when you change diameters, for example from 1 inch to ¾ inch.
If you need a detachable connection, unions are the right choice – they allow later separation without destruction. All these components are made from the same stainless steel 316 quality and are compatible with each other – just pay attention to uniform nominal sizes (inches). The parent category Stainless steel 316 threaded fittings provides an overview of the entire range.
In a nutshell
Stainless steel 316 (V4A) elbows and bends are essential for changing direction in sanitary, irrigation and heating pipes. They are characterized by corrosion resistance, pressure resistance up to 10 bar and suitability for cold and hot water. When selecting, pay attention to thread size (internal/external thread), angle (45°/90°) and location – V4A is ideal for outdoor areas, 90° bends for tight corners. Use the 255 available items to configure your line exactly as needed, and complement them with suitable double nipples, sockets or fittings from the same material class.